Anti-government protests death toll hits 18 in Peru

Lima, SANA- At least nine people were killed in Peru as a result of the suppression of protests against the removal of President Pedro Castillo in Ayacucho province, as the number of victims has amounted to 18 since the beginning of the protests.

At least seven people were killed and 52 others injured as the police and army suppressed a demonstration near the provincial airport, while two others were killed in the La Libertad region, Telesur channel quoted the Provincial Directorate of Health in the province of Ayacucho as saying.

The Ayacucho provincial government held the new president, appointed by Parliament, Dina Boluarte, and the ministers of interior and defense responsible for the killing of the demonstrators, and called them to resign immediately.

The demonstrators call for the release of President Castillo, the dissolution of parliament, the formation of a constituent assembly, the resignation of Boluarte, and holding of early elections.

Nisreen Othman / Mazen Eyon